Arun Kumar T, D.P.T, PN Coach
Day 3: Core Challenge
Welcome to the third day of the 4-Week Body Weight Boost! Today we challenge your core with an interval-based circuit of eight exercises designed to give you maximum results. Each exercise is completed for 30 seconds, followed by a 30 second rest.
First up: Crunches! Crunches are a classic abdominal exercise that works your abdominal muscles, helping you strengthen and tone your midsection. Moving on to Cat Cow, this yoga-inspired pose is great for your lower back, as well as your core muscles. Superman hold is a great exercise to strengthen your core and back muscles. Knee push-ups are a beginner-friendly exercise to build arm and upper body strength.
Dead bug is a core exercise that works your abdominals, chest, and hips, as well as your hamstrings. Toe touches is a classic ab exercise that strengthens your entire core. Bird Dog is an excellent exercise for your core and lower back. Last but not least, wall sit is a great overall workout and helps you build strength in your quads and glutes.
Take your time and challenge yourself today. Incorporating all eight of these exercises into your workout routine will help you strengthen and tone your core. Take a break if you need to, but be sure to give it your all!
By establishing this 4-Week Body Weight Boost, you’re taking positive steps towards improving your overall physical and mental health. Keep up the good work and don’t forget to have fun!
Â
Day 3 of 4-Week Body Weight Boost
Prior to commencing your workout, it's essential to incorporate a brief warm-up routine. Spend around 5 minutes either doing some brisk walking in place or strolling around your house.
This pre-workout warm-up helps prepare your body for exercise, increasing blood flow and flexibility to reduce the risk of injury and enhance overall performance.
Equipment Suggestion
Circuit 1-Â Do the circuit 3 times
- Lie on your back on the floor.
- Bend your knees and put your feet on the floor, hip-width apart.
- Place your hands lightly on either side of your head, elbows bent and pointed outwards.
- Engage your abdominals, exhale, and lift your shoulder blades off the floor.
- Pause at the top, and then inhale and slowly lower your back to the starting position.
- Repeat the exercise as many times as is necessary, stopping when deemed necessary.
Â
- Stand in a mountain pose, with your feet hip-width apart, hands on your hips, and your spine erect.
- Inhale as you arch your spine, tilt your pelvis forward, and gaze up.
- Exhale as you round your back and tuck your chin in towards your chest like a cow.
- Inhale as you raise your head up to look forward and tilt your pelvis back as you arch your back.
- Exhale as you tuck your chin in towards your chest and round your back like a cat.
- Repeat the sequence for 10-15 times.
Â
3) Superman Hold for 30 Sec
- Stand with your feet slightly over a shoulder-width apart.
- Raise your arms out to your sides with your palms facing forward in a Superman pose.
- Engage your core muscles by slightly tilting your pelvis forward and squeezing your stomach muscles.
- Tighten all your muscles and hold this position for 15-20 seconds or as long as you can.
- Release the tension in your body and lower your arms.
Â
Circuit 2-Â Do the circuit 3 times
4) Knee Pushup for 30 Sec
- Start in a high plank with your arms extended directly under your shoulders.
- Bend your elbows and lower your body towards the floor, while keeping your eyes focussed ahead.
- Pause when your chest is close to the floor, making sure your elbows are tucked close to your torso.
- Then slowly push yourself back up to the starting position.
- Lower your knees to the floor, and repeat the same movement again.
Â
- Lie flat on your back with your feet flat on the floor and your knees bent.
- Raise your arms directly in the air.
- Keep your low back pressed into the ground, pull in your belly button towards your spine, and press your lower back flat against the floor.
- From there, slowly lower your right leg until it just hovers above the ground.
- At the same time, lower your left arm until it is just above the ground.
- Return to the starting position, and repeat on the other side.
Â
6) Toe Touches for 30 Sec
- Stand with feet shoulder width apart.
- Bend your knees to lower your upper body slightly.
- Raise both arms up towards the ceiling.
- Keeping your knees bent and your arms raised, reach forward with your fingertips towards your toes.
- Raise your torso back up to the starting position.
- Repeat the movement for desired number of repetitions.
Â
Circuit 3-Â Do the circuit 3 times
- Begin on all fours with a neutral spine and the core engaged.
- Extend the right arm in front of you and lift it to shoulder height, with the elbow slightly bent.
- At the same time, extend the left leg directly behind you, keeping the knee bent and the thigh parallel to the ground.
- Keep the head in line with the spine, looking at the ground.
- Hold the position for a few seconds, and then return to the starting position.
- Repeat on the opposite side.
Â
- Stand with your back against a wall in a comfortable and upright position.
- Slowly slide down the wall until your knees are bent at a 90-degree angle.
- Make sure your feet are planted firmly on the floor in shoulder width apart.
- Allow your arms to drop to your sides.
- Hold this position for as long as you can.
- When you can no longer maintain the position, slowly and calmly slide back up the wall and stand.
Â
- Start by getting into a high-plank position, with your feet and hands spread wider than shoulder width apart.
- Keep your spine lengthened and your neck in line with your body.
- Breathe deeply, focusing on your core and keeping your core muscles engaged.
- Slowly shift your weight to one knee, and lift up the other knee.
- Hold the position for 10-30 seconds.
- Repeat on the other side.
Â
Cool Down and Stretching
After completing your workout, it's crucial to follow up with an effective cool-down routine. Take a leisurely 5-minute walk around to gradually lower your heart rate and help your body recover. Alternatively, you can opt for static stretches to release muscle tension and improve flexibility.
This cool-down phase is essential for reducing post-workout soreness and promoting a sense of well-being, making it an important part of any exercise regimen.
